Overview

• Penn State opens the 2025 campaign ranked No. 2 in the AP poll, its highest preseason position in nearly three decades
• Drew Allar has said he thinks about his late interception against Notre Dame off and on but has moved on and focused on learning from the mistake
• Analysts including Ralph D. Russo have raised concerns that Allar’s own performance against elite defenses may determine whether Penn State’s title hopes hold up
• Coach James Franklin emphasized Allar’s offseason gains in mobility, strength and familiarity with the offense during a recent depth-chart update
• The Nittany Lions overhauled their receiving corps through the transfer portal and return most defensive starters under Jim Knowles in pursuit of a national championship